Using the Cell Phone for Class Content: An Exploration Terence W. Cavanaugh, Ph.D., Leadership, Counseling, and Instructional Technology, University of North Florida, USA

Using the Cell Phone for Class Content: An Exploration Abstract: This paper describes a project that involved converting reading material for student access through their cell phones. Cell phones can be used for sending electronic versions of reading materials to students in three formats: audiobook, web book, and Java book. The different formats were compared for class use and the Java book format was found to be the most efficient for student use. Conversion tools for creating documents were evaluated along with student ease of use. This pilot project found that cell phones can be effective as electronic readers. For readability it is important to choose software that will create cell phone documents that can be displayed with variable text sizes, increasing reading ease.

“Student Week” internet (16.7 hours) television (13.6 hours) phone (7.7 hours) (Yahoo 2003)

Cellphone Ownership In 2003: 43% of school aged children (K-12) –70% middle and high school students –61% upper elementary students Today: 99% college students

Cell Phone Book Formats AudiobookWeb BookJava Book

Cell Phone Book Formats Audiobook MP3 Podcast Text-to-speech Not widely available with students (yet)

Cell Phone Book Formats Web Book HTML WAP Can involve time charges Most new phones can access

Cell Phone Book Formats Java Book Runs as game or application Download and install Selected for »Variable display »Multiple controls »Transfer options

Cell Phone Books First popular: Deep Love in Japan –Serialized novel –Over 20 Million Hits –MobileBooks »Online service »Over 5000 editions »

Project Evaluating differing formats of creating and delivering textual information to students which was to be read from the cell phone Content: –Text book –Syllabus –Schedule

Creation Programs Java Based: BookReader, (selected) ReadManiac, mjBook4, and t41 Readme (online)

BookReaderReadManiacmjBook4 t41 Readme ProgramWindows Online CostFree Multiple fontsYes No Background colors Multiple One Key controlsAdjustablePreset ScrollingYes File origination RTF, PDF, DOC, PDB, Text (.txt) Text (.txt) File creation.jar &.jad

Cell Phone Book Resources: Software for creating Java books (free): –BookReader by Tequilacat –ReadManiac shadows.com/hax/ReadManiac/index.htmhttp:// shadows.com/hax/ReadManiac/index.htm –mjBook4: Online service for creating Java books –t41 readme:

Creating Files 1.Course Materials 2.Convert to text format 3.Process though software or online 4.Place on website Issues: images, tables, special formatting

Distribution Website for download to phone Infrared sharing Bluetooth Sync cable

Advantages and Disadvantages Cons limitations on the screen and the controls no standards for keyboard controls button size Pros available to most students (common) one more application (familiarity) crisp, clear displays small file size affordable

Personal Reflection Almost but not quite there (in the USA) Needs the tipping point event Can be very effective for text Ideal for “reading” class

Sample cell phone books and syllabi available at: Paper and presentation available at: